Pakistan deploys troops and fighter jets
Reports claim Islamabad has sent a major military contingent to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has reportedly deployed thousands of troops, fighter jets and advanced air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence agreement signed between the two countries last year, according to multiple security and government sources.
The deployment comes at a sensitive time, with Islamabad simultaneously playing the role of a key mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict and ceasefire negotiations.
Pakistan deploys troops, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
According to reports, Pakistan has sent nearly 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia along with a squadron of around 16 fighter aircraft, primarily JF-17 jets jointly developed with China.
Sources also claimed that two squadrons of drones and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system have been deployed as part of the military package.
The personnel and equipment are reportedly being financed by Saudi Arabia, while the systems continue to be operated by Pakistani military staff.
Neither Pakistan’s military nor Saudi authorities have officially confirmed the scale of the deployment.
Defence pact reportedly allows larger troop deployment
Officials familiar with the agreement said the defence pact signed between Islamabad and Riyadh includes provisions requiring both nations to assist each other militarily in case of an attack.
One government source reportedly claimed the agreement allows for deployment of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia if the situation escalates further.
The latest deployment is said to add to thousands of Pakistani military personnel already stationed in the kingdom under previous bilateral arrangements.
Pakistan balancing mediation and military support
The reported troop deployment comes even as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in the Iran conflict.
Islamabad recently hosted US-Iran peace discussions and played a role in efforts that reportedly helped maintain a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
At the same time, reports suggest Saudi Arabia carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran after attacks inside the kingdom raised fears of wider regional escalation.
The latest reports are likely to intensify scrutiny over Islamabad’s dual role as both military partner to Saudi Arabia and diplomatic intermediary in the wider regional conflict.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
